Instituting a new definition of \"critical habitat\" for freshwater fish and mussels may be North Carolina's most important conservation battle of the year. The new definition would require a conservation plan for 25 streams where the species live.

North Carolina's coastline has become a battleground for commercial and recreational fishermen competing for the same water and fish. Nickens presents the case for a negotiated settlement between the warring factions.

The North Carolina estuarine system, third largest in the U.S., produces 90% of the state's commercial and recreational species of fish and shellfish. Hart briefly describes the variety of life that inhabits the sounds, marshes, and open waters.

Among the winners of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation's Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards for 1993 are Conservationist of the Year, Molly Diggins; Youth Conservationist of the Year, Michael John Byers, II; and Soil Conservationist of the Year, Dr. George Naderman.